#20: 4 Ways To Beat Productivity Guilt And Enjoy Career Success

The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

Do you find it difficult to slow down or take a break? Ever feel guilty for not being ‘productive’?

Back in January, someone asked what I’d got up to over the summer holidays. I was surprised to find myself a little embarrassed to admit that my two weeks off consisted of lots of long walks, sleep-ins and Netflix binges.... 

To which this person responded: ‘So you had a break?!’ And I realised — I’d been feeling guilty for doing absolutely NOTHING!

Can you relate?

This pattern, otherwise known as productivity guilt, is common amongst Type A achievers. Capable, ambitious individuals who enjoy being busy, have high-pressure roles and tend to take on a lot. YET — you feel guilty or lazy for being unproductive.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with healthy striving. But never taking time to rest or beating yourself up for not working hard enough can have negative consequences. Stress, overwhelm and burn-out, poor productivity and performance.

You also don’t appreciate your achievements or savour your successes because you’re always moving on to the ‘next thing’. This leads to a lack of fulfillment and motivation.

But here’s the good news. You CAN be ambitious and successful without having to be productive all. the. time.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 4 simple strategies to beat productivity guilt. 

You'll learn:

  • 3:30: The ONE critical shift you must make to rewire your brain for success and remove fears of being ‘unproductive’
  • 4:11: How to know if you’re being ‘busy’ or are actually productive -- and my top tips to make REAL progress on your priority projects 
  • 6:12: A counterintuitive approach which all successful people adopt to get more done, in less time
  • 7:16: The first step you need to know to stop beating yourself up and avoid the most damaging effects of productivity guilt


Find out how to keep those guilty feelings under control AND reach your big goals!

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LINKS:
Ready to clarify and reach your career goals in the second half of 2024?

Check out Ignite Your Career, my signature program to help high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work which lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career on their terms.

Or learn more about the Light Up Your Career coaching intensive to create your personalised career plan for the next 90 days.

If you’re interested in working together, I invite you to book a 30 minute call with me here.

Not sure where to start? Get instant access to the Career Decision Guide to find clarity on your next career step. 

Learn more about what I do at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.

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